Whitby Musicport festival celebrates 21st anniversary - see who's appearing this year

Festival founders and organisers Jim and Sue McLaughlin see the event’s location as one of the reasons for its survival.

Jim said: “Whitby has a seafaring and welcoming tradition.

"People have sailed from here to all corners of the globe and so, despite our geographic isolation within Yorkshire, there are historic connections to many other cultures.

“One of our initial aims in developing the festival was to give young people in the area the chance to experience other cultures and traditions particularly as most would have to leave Whitby and move to more multi-cultural towns and cities to gain further educational opportunities.

“It was also originally started at the time of year to help extend the tourist season which, 21 years ago, dropped off dramatically by October.”

Now, 21 years in, and still using Whitby Pavilion as the main venue, the festival (a not-for-profit community business and supported by Arts Council Lottery funding) is still changing and developing.

Sue said: "We really feel for the many festivals who've been forced to cancel their plans once again this year, so we feel very fortunate and excited that, as far as anyone can say at present, we can press on with getting Musicport 2021 under way!"